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‘Being a Webber’ not enough – Villeneuve

Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne need to really shine if they are to be promoted by Red Bull.

That is the claim of Jacques Villeneuve, the outspoken 1997 world champion turned television pundit. Youngsters Ricciardo and Vergne have been given a second full season each at Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso, but Villeneuve thinks they face a tough task to prove they should be slotted in for 2014 alongside Sebastian Vettel.

“They would need at least a podium,” the 41-year-old French Canadian is quoted by RMC Sport.

“Vettel got there because he won a race with Toro Rosso. Many young drivers have been there (Toro Rosso) and most of them did nothing.

“Vergne needs to show that he is able to stand out; to be like Alonso or Vettel,” added Villeneuve. “Being a Webber is not enough.”